What's on the Front and Back of Your Driver's License

What information appears on each side of your driver's license

Your driver's license has a front side and a back side, and each one holds different information that serves different purposes. The front displays your identity and photo; the back contains your signature, address, and restrictions or endorsements that affect how you can drive. Understanding what goes where helps you know what to expect when you receive your license and what information you'll need to provide during the process or renewal process.

Both sides are printed on the same card stock, and both are equally official parts of your license. Some states print the back in color; others use black and white. The layout and specific fields vary slightly by state, but the core information categories remain consistent across all 50 states and U.S. territories.

Key Takeaways

The front of your license shows your photo, name, date of birth, address, license number, and expiration date.
The back displays your signature, a second address field (usually for mailing address), and any restrictions or endorsements that explore to your driving privileges.
Restrictions on the back might include corrective lenses required, automatic transmission only, or hearing aid use; endorsements show qualifications like motorcycle or commercial driving.
Your address on the back must match your current residence; updating it requires a change-of-address transaction at your DMV.
The signature on the back must match your signature on file; it is used to verify your identity when you present the license.

Front side: photo, identity, and expiration

The front of your driver's license is what most people see and what you present when you need to prove who you are. It includes your full-color photograph (or black and white in a few states), your legal name exactly as it appears on your birth certificate or legal name change document, and your date of birth. These three elements are the core identity verification tools.

Below the photo you will find your driver's license number, which is unique to you in that state. This number is used to look up your driving record, pull your license status, and verify your identity in law enforcement or court systems. Your license number does not change unless you renew in a different state or your state switches to a new numbering system (rare).

The front also shows your address, usually your residential address. This is the address where you receive official mail from the DMV. Your expiration date appears prominently on the front—typically in the lower right corner—so you and anyone checking your license can see at a glance whether it is still valid. The issue date (when the license was first issued or last renewed) also appears on the front.

Some states print your eye color, height, and hair color on the front as well. These descriptors help law enforcement or other officials verify that the person presenting the license matches the photo. A few states also include organ donor status on the front.

Back side: signature, address, and driving restrictions or endorsements

The back of your license contains your signature, printed in a designated box. This signature must match the one you provided when you applied for or renewed your license. It is used to verify your identity when you present the license—for example, when cashing a check or making a purchase that requires ID. If your signature changes significantly (due to injury, age, or other reasons), you can update it during a renewal or at a DMV office.

The back also includes an address field, which in many states is a mailing address separate from the residential address on the front. If you use a P.O. box or have mail sent to a different location, this field captures that. Some states use this space for a second residential address if you have one (such as a seasonal home). If you move, you must update your address through your state's DMV—usually online, by mail, or in person—and the back of your license will be reprinted or updated.

Below the signature and address, the back lists any restrictions that explore to your driving. Restrictions are conditions or limitations on your driving privileges. Common restrictions include:

Corrective lenses required (code 1): You must wear glasses or contact lenses while driving.
Automatic transmission only (code 2): You may only drive vehicles with automatic transmissions, not manual.
Hearing aid required (code 3): You must wear a hearing aid while driving.
Daylight driving only (code 4): You may not drive at night.
No freeway driving (code 5): You are limited to local roads and cannot use interstate highways.
Ignition interlock device (code 6): Your vehicle must have a breath-alcohol testing device installed.

The back also shows any endorsements, which are qualifications or permissions beyond a standard license. Endorsements appear as letter codes and indicate that you have passed additional tests or met extra requirements. Common endorsements include:

Motorcycle (M): You have passed the motorcycle written and skills tests.
Commercial (C): You hold a commercial driver's license (CDL) and may drive large trucks or buses.
Hazmat (H): You have passed a background check and may transport hazardous materials.
Passenger (P): You may drive vehicles carrying 16 or more passengers (school buses, tour buses).

How restrictions and endorsements are assigned

Restrictions are assigned based on your medical history, vision test results, or the results of a driving skills test. If you fail the vision screening at the DMV, a corrective lenses restriction is added automatically. If you have a hearing impairment, you may request a hearing aid restriction or work with your state's medical review board to determine what restrictions are necessary. Some restrictions are imposed by the court as part of a DUI conviction or other traffic offense.

Endorsements are earned, not assigned. You must pass a written test and, in most cases, a practical driving skills test to earn an endorsement. For a motorcycle endorsement, you take a separate motorcycle written test and a riding skills test. For a commercial endorsement, you complete a CDL process, pass a medical examination, and pass the CDL written and driving tests. Hazmat endorsements require a federal background check in addition to the written test.

If you have a restriction or endorsement on your license and it is no longer necessary, you can request its removal. For example, if you had a corrective lenses restriction but now have corrective eye surgery, you can take a new vision test and request the restriction be removed. The process varies by state but usually involves a visit to a DMV office and a new vision screening.

Updating your address on the back of your license

When you move to a new address, you are required by law to notify your state's DMV within a set timeframe—usually 10 to 30 days, depending on the state. You do not have to renew your entire license; you can request an address change or address update transaction. This is faster and cheaper than a full renewal.

Most states allow you to update your address online through the DMV website if you have a valid email address on file and your license is not expired. Some states mail you a new card with the updated address; others update your record but do not issue a new physical card until your next renewal. Check your state's DMV website to see whether an address change triggers a new card or just a record update.

If you do not update your address and you receive a traffic ticket or are stopped by law enforcement, the officer will see an outdated address on your license. This can complicate the ticket process and may result in missed court notices if the court tries to reach you at the old address. It is also a reason some states cite for license suspension.

Reading restriction and endorsement codes on your back

Restriction and endorsement codes are standardized across most states, but not all states use the same letter or number for the same restriction. The most common system uses numbers for restrictions (1 through 9) and letters for endorsements (A through Z). Your state's DMV website or handbook will have a key that explains what each code on your license means.

If you receive a new license and see a code you do not recognize, do not assume it is an error. Look it up in your state's DMV handbook or call the DMV to confirm. Some codes are temporary (for example, an ignition interlock device restriction may expire after a set period) and will be removed automatically when you renew. Others are permanent unless you take action to remove them.

If you believe a restriction or endorsement on your license is incorrect, contact your state's DMV in writing or in person with documentation that supports the change. For example, if you have a corrective lenses restriction but no longer need glasses, bring a letter from your eye doctor confirming your vision meets the legal standard. The DMV will review your request and either remove the code or explain why it must remain.

Physical security features on both sides

Modern driver's licenses include security features on both the front and back to prevent counterfeiting and fraud. These features include holograms, microprinting, color-shifting ink, and embedded security threads. The specific features vary by state and are updated periodically as counterfeiting technology improves.

These security features are not something you need to memorize or verify yourself—they are there for law enforcement, businesses, and other officials who check licenses. However, if you are curious about what your state's security features look like, your state's DMV website usually includes photos or descriptions. Knowing what a valid license looks like in your state can help you spot a fake if someone tries to show you one.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if the address on the back of my license does not match my current address?

You should update your address with your state's DMV as soon as possible. Most states allow online address changes, which are faster and cheaper than a full renewal. If you do not update it, you may miss official mail from the DMV or the court, and law enforcement will see an outdated address if you are stopped.

Can I change my signature on my driver's license?

Yes. You can update your signature during a renewal or by visiting a DMV office in person. Bring a valid ID and be prepared to sign in front of a DMV employee. The new signature will appear on your next license card. If your signature has changed due to injury or age, the DMV may ask for an explanation.

What does it mean if I have a restriction code on the back of my license?

A restriction is a condition or limitation on your driving. Common restrictions include corrective lenses required, automatic transmission only, or daylight driving only. Your state's DMV handbook explains what each code means. If you believe a restriction is incorrect or no longer applies, contact your DMV with supporting documentation.

Do I need to renew my entire license if I move to a new address?

No. Most states allow you to request an address change without renewing your entire license. This is faster and costs less than a full renewal. Some states mail you a new card with the updated address; others update your record only. Check your state's DMV website to see what happens in your state.

What is the difference between a restriction and an endorsement on my license?

A restriction is a limitation on your driving—something you cannot do or must do (like wear glasses). An endorsement is a qualification or permission—something you have earned the right to do, like drive a motorcycle or operate a commercial vehicle. Restrictions are assigned; endorsements are earned through testing.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.